A race discrimination case brought about by six GPs in north-west England could “open the floodgates” for future claims, a human rights advocate has said.

Initial allegations that the GPs had been discriminated against because of their race and age had fallen on deaf ears after their PCT claimed they were not employees and could therefore not bring about a tribunal hearing.

However, the PCT has now conceded that it is classed as a”‘qualifying body” under the terms of the Race Relations Act and can be subjected to discrimination claims from employees.

Saimah Malik, diversity officer and director of the charity Protection of Human Rights in Public Law, which is representing the GPs, said there is a “real possibility that the floodgates will be opened” by the case.

Ms Malik said the PCT is a qualifying body because it determines who goes onto the performers’ list and who does not.

The claims have been made against NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.

Lesley Mort, executive director of integrated commissioning at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, said: “We are co-operating with legal proceedings relating to this case and will support a fair and transparent hearing.”